State House Crackdown on Illegal School Fees for UPE and USE Programs

State House has intensified its efforts to combat illegal charges imposed by schools on students benefiting from the government’s Universal Primary Education (UPE) and Universal Secondary Education (USE) initiatives. Jimmy Nambiro, Head of the State House Education Desk and Private Secretary to the President on Education and Skilling, stated that schools have no legal basis to demand payments or send away learners enrolled under these programs.

Introduced in 1997 and 2007 respectively, UPE and USE were designed to broaden educational access, particularly for disadvantaged children. However, Nambiro highlighted that school administrators, Parent-Teacher Associations (PTAs), and school boards are reportedly undermining these crucial programs through practices such as imposing illegal school fees, development charges, and examination registration fees. The government, he clarified, already covers examination registration for national tests at all levels.

These unauthorized charges create significant obstacles for poor families, directly contradicting the Education Act of 2008 and presidential directives prohibiting the expulsion of students from these universal programs. Ms. Goretti Nakabugo, Executive Director of UWEZO Uganda, stressed the need for clearer government communication and robust enforcement to ensure schools and parents fully understand the scope of UPE and USE benefits. She also called for greater transparency regarding capitation grants allocated to schools.

The State House Education Desk is now actively monitoring UPE and USE schools to identify and address such violations, aiming to prevent children from being denied education due to illegal fees. Nambiro reiterated that universal education was not intended for the affluent, and any institution found charging for these free programs will face legal consequences.

Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)